Archive for April, 2013

The all-new Volkswagen Golf is officially the World Car of the Year. In announcing its ultimate winner for the ninth year, the WCOTY jury, comprising 66 automotive journalists from twenty-three countries, said the Volkswagen Golf is as close to the perfect hatchback design as any car company has come yet. . This year’s win is the second in a row for Volkswagen. Visit Tucson Volkswagen for more details.

Although the seventh-generation Golf is on sale already in other countries, it won’t be for sale in the US until next year as a 2015 model. The new Golf will be available with three engines, just like the current sixth-generation model sold in the U.S.

The 2015 Golf’s entry-level model will be powered by a four-cylinder 1.8-liter turbocharged engine instead of the 2.5-liter five-cylinder unit. With 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, this new engine offers the same power as the outgoing unit and 7 more lb-ft of torque, delivered at lower revs. Coupled with manual or automatic transmissions, its biggest advantage is said to be fuel economy.

The next model in the 2015 Golf range will be the TDI Clean Diesel, powered by a four-cylinder common-rail 2.0-liter diesel unit with direct-injection. Rated at 150 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the new TDI Clean Diesel shares only the bore spacing with the previous engine, with extensive changes made to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. According to VW, the new TDI model will have a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an optional DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Finally, the top of the range GTI model will be powered by an upgraded version of the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine, and is expected to develop around 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A manual six-speed box will be offered as standard, with an automatic DSG transmission available as an option.

Inside the VW Golf is both new, and familiar. A simple, high-quality layout puts all controls just where you want them. The traditional black dash and interior trim is offset in some models by available two-tone upholstery. Volkswagen has boosted the available storage inside the new Golf, with a sliding tray underneath the front seats. Safety equipment includes six airbags, the usual suite of electronic safety systems, and a new automatic crash-braking system that brakes the car when its sensors detect that it is involved in a primary collision.

All versions of the new Golf have the XDS electronic differential lock that improves handling and traction. For more information on the Golf, visit Chapman VW.